Jobs Abroad In France Without University Degrees
Do you fantasize the joie de vivre -the joy of living- in France but believe that you only need a university degree as a ticket? Think again! The French economy especially in the areas such as tourism, hospitality, and agriculture encounters chronic labor shortages. This translates to great prospects of foreigners seeking employment in France without a university degree.
This detailed guide, which includes the current information, divides the most sought-out jobs in France among the non-or least qualified foreigners. We are also going to discuss the essentials in obtaining a work visa in France, finding an awesome non-degree job.
No Degree Required – Seasonal/Temporary Work
Seasonal work in France is by far the simplest method of foreigners to secure an entry and experience, with many jobs needing minimal or no French and no experience at all. They are ideal amongst people who travel, and those who want to have a temporary adventure.
Hospitality and Tourism (High Demand)
France is one of the world tourism centers that require seasonal employees in large numbers. These positions are usually good English speaking positions in France.
- Hotel Waiter / Bar Personnel / Café Personnel: You can find him everywhere, particularly in large cities such as Paris, Nice and Montpellier. Experience is not necessarily a necessity as long as you are amiable and able to cope with a busy environment.
- Chef / Cook: Many ski resorts (winter) and summer campsites need these jobs. Prior cooking experience / catering experience is an added advantage but the most important is passion and reliability.
- Hotel Receptionist: This job is less challenging physically, but frequently is one of the preferred jobs when it comes to the individual who has good English skills.
- Campsite Jobs: Large camping businesses such as Eurocamp often employ English speaking employees to work at kids clubs, cleaning of mobile homes and checking in during the summer season.
- Ski Resort Jobs (Winter): Be a lift operator, kitchen employee or resort cleaner at the French Alps. This is among the most favored seasonal jobs that France offers.
Agriculture / Farming
The agricultural sector of France such as the renowned wine industry depends on foreign workers who work temporarily.
- Grape Picker (Wine Industry / Viticultural Work): The vendange (grape harvest) at the end of summer/early fall is a traditional choice. It is tough work, but it is a cultural experience that is unique to such areas as Bordeaux and Burgundy.
- Fruit Picking: There are opportunities all year round on different crops, but in the background of the grape harvest.
English Language Roles & childcare.
In case you are a native or highly skilled English speaker, this is a qualification in itself, and there are special non-degree English Speaking jobs France.
English-Speaking Nanny / Au Pair.
This proves to be a really widespread route by young people in search of employment in the foreign countries in France.
- Au Pair: You will live with a French host family, will look after their children, and will be given a small stipend, free room, and board. Very little work experience with children is usually expected.
- Babysitter / Nanny: These are often better-compensated than an au pair, and are childcare-only roles. It would generally require some experience with young children.
No Degree Private English Tutor
Although formal teaching jobs are degree or TEFL Certification based, a number of families and adults seek individual, conversation-based tutors. The most required skill is your native command of English. Businesses such as Babylangues recruit language teachers in 18 cities across France and clearly advertise No French required, No formal teaching experience as their child immersion model.
General Low-Skill / Unskilled Work
The labor-intensive industries are also always short of labor and thus they are good to employ unskilled workers and those who need to be offered a job position that is of entry level. The high demand of labor support staff is in construction and trades, especially.
Manual / Labourer Jobs
Such positions usually demand physical conditioning and trustworthiness instead of certain qualifications.
- Warehouse Worker / Warehouse Operator: logistics and e-commerce are in high demand and are mainly located near large transport locations.
- Industrial Cleaner / Domestic Cleaners and Helpers: Commercial cleaning and domestic cleaning services are in constant need of employees.
- Construction/Maintenance Helper/Road Maintenance Laborer: One of the industries that are mostly in demand of trades and laborers in France is the construction sector.
Retail & Customer Support
Although some fundamental knowledge of French is strongly suggested in retail, customer service jobs in foreign firms can require proficiency in English.
- Shop Assistant / Cashier / Stock Handler: Customer-facing employees with multilingual proficiency are particularly appreciated especially in major tourist locations or in large international shops in major cities such as Paris and Lyon.
- Customer Support Specialist: Most businesses maintain a global customer support center, which needs a fluent understanding of English, even when the main office is situated in France.
Working French Visa: Non-EU Citizens.
The most important step, in the case of non-EU citizens, is the Work Visa France. You do not just get there and begin hunting down employment like EU nationals. You have to be sponsored by your employer and request permission to work.
The Work Permit Process
- Find a Job Offer: You have to get a signed employment contract first with a French employer.
- Submission of Authorization by the employer: Your employer should seek work authorization (through a procedure that incorporates the French labor department and the OFII- Office Francais de Immigration et Integration). This is usually the most difficult because the employer usually has to demonstrate that he/she could not get a qualified local person.
- Get a Visa: You visit the French consulate in your country of origin, where you apply to be granted your long-stay visa (VLS-TS) upon approval of your work authorization.
The simplest Visa Option: Working Holiday Visa
Assuming that your nation has a bilateral agreement with France (e.g., Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Korea, Japan, etc.), the Working Holiday Visa (WHV) is without question the easiest way. It permits you to spend up to one year in France (at the age of 18-30 or 18-35) working without prior agreed work permit!
FAQs
Do you know of a non-degree job in Paris where you do not have to speak French?
Yes, mostly within the tourist industry (hotels, hostels and even international restaurants) or with certain English speaking jobs such as Au Pair or language teacher. Nevertheless, simple French will never go down the drain when it comes to everyday living.
Which is the most demanded unskilled job in France amongst the foreigners?
Hospitality and Tourism (such as bar staff, hotel help, and campsite workers) and Agriculture (such as grape picking) are always the simplest jobs to get, without any formal qualifications.
How much tax is taken from the French minimum wage (SMIC)?
Although the SMIC stands at €11.65/hour gross, a required deduction of social charges (social security, pension, etc.) will be subtracted which amounts to about 20%. The net hourly wage mostly exceeds the amount of 9.00/hour.
Do you need a TEFL certificate to teach English in France?
A degree and/or a TEFL certification are frequently needed in formal, long-term, teaching positions (e.g. in a state-run school). But in the case of personal tutoring, babysitting or Au Pair service, it is not usually necessary; your native skills will do the job.
What is the age requirement of a Working Holiday Visa (WHV) in France?
To the majority of the countries involved, the age restriction is between 18 and 30 years. Other countries (such as Canada, Australia) have a maximum of 35. Make sure you look at your nationality bilateral agreement.
Final Thought
France is not a degree country. The most valuable secret to finding employment in France without a university degree is to capitalize on the in-demand areas of seasonal employment, hospitality, and any role that requires an English-speaking employee, and strictly follow the visa application procedure. Begin with a good contract, know what you are entitled to get under the SMIC, and go adventuring. You can have your French dream.
Disclaimer
This employment related information is disseminated with educational and informational purposes only. Before you apply or take any action in relation to your employment or immigration status, please confirm information on the official employer or government site, e.g. France-Visas or France Travail.